Scribd
Upload
6 views

Computer - Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Uploaded by

gfssbpdj6b
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
6 views

Computer - Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Uploaded by

gfssbpdj6b
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 1

Menu Categories Login

Search tutorials, courses and ebooks...


AI, ML, and Data Science

Programming Languages

Web Development Languages


SQL HTML CSS Javascript Python
DevOps

Computer
Databases - Central Processing

UnitSubjects
Computer Science (CPU)
Python Technologies

Software Testing

Cyber Security

All Categories

Previous Next

Central Processing Unit


CPU stands for Central Processing Unit; it is
also known as "the brain of the computer". A
CPU is a primary component of a computer that
performs most of the processing and controls
the operation of all components running inside
a computer.

CPU

ControlUnit

InputUnit OutputUnit

Arithmetic
&LogicUnit

MemoryUnit

The key components of a CPU are the Control


Unit, ALU and Memory. The alignment and
integration of key components are included in
the above figure.

Components of CPU

Control Unit (CU)

ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)

Memory or Storage Unit

Registers

Control Unit
As its name implies, a control unit acts as the
"brain" of the CPU. A major role of a control
unit is to manage and execute instructions to
perform the tasks specified by a computer
program. v. A CPU executes instructions by
fetching them from memory, decodes them,
and then executes them. So, it plays a vital role
in fetch-decode-execute instructions.

Functions of Control Unit

Instruction Fetch − A CU fetches


instructions from RAM (Random Access
Memory).

Instruction Decoding − It decodes


the fetched instructions to operate.

Instruction Execution − A CU sends


control signals to perform operations
like ALU for arithmetic and logical
operations.

Control Flow Management − It


controls flow by updating the
programme counter.

Exception Handling − A control unit


effectively manages exceptions and
interruptions like hardware failures,
system calls, and external events, by
appropriately diverting the control flow
of the CPU to the planned procedure for
managing such exceptions.

Synchronization − A CU plays a
crucial role in facilitating the
coordination of instruction execution
across several cores.

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)


The Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) is a component
that has been extensively optimised and
engineered to do multiple tasks concurrently. It
is commonly built to execute operations
speedily. It works in conjunction with other CPU
components, such as registers, memory, and
control units, to execute complex instructions.

Functions of an ALU

Arithmetic Operations − The ALU can


perform basic arithmetic operations.

Logic Operations − The ALU can also


perform logical operations like AND, OR,
NOT, XOR, and bit-shifting operations.

Memory Unit
A memory is a hardware component which is
used to store and access the data whenever
required. Majorly; computer memory is
categorised into two parts Primary Memory
(RAM) and Secondary Memory (Hard Disk).
RAM is used for short-term, fast data access
and is essential for active program execution.
On the other hand, storage or secondary
memory provides permanent data storage.

Hence, memory and storage units both are


critical components of a computer system.

Functions of memory

Primary Memory

RAM is also known as primary or


temporary memory; it is a type of
volatile memory used for temporarily
storing data.

The contents inside the RAM are erased


when the computer’s power gets off or
restarted.

RAM is actively used for program or


instruction execution.

Once we start the computer; system


necessary files, programs and operating
system files are loaded into the RAM for
the smooth running of the computer.

The more RAM a computer has, the


better it can handle multitasking and
the faster it can run applications since
data can be accessed more quickly.

Storage (Hard Drives, SSDs, Flash Drives,


etc.)

Storage devices are used to store the


data permanently, even when the
computer is powered off.

They are non-volatile; the data remains


intact even when the power is turned off
or the system restarts.

The most popular and commonly used


storage devices are Hard disks (HDs),
Solid-State Drives (SSDs), USB flash
drives, and optical disks (e.g., DVDs),
pen drives.

The data storage capacity of these


devices in gigabytes (GB) to terabytes
(TB) and more, depending on the type
and size of the storage device.

Explore our latest online courses and learn


new skills at your own pace. Enroll and become
a certified expert to boost your career.

Functions of the CPU


The key functions of a CPU are as follows −

The CPU performs arithmetic and logic


operations.

It directs the operation of the processor.

It directs Input and output units that


how to respond to the instructions that
have been communicated to the
processor.

A CPU contains registers which are


considered small storage locations
within the CPU to hold data temporarily
during execution of a program.

A CPU executes instructions by fetching


them from memory, decodes them, and
then executes them.

Print Page Previous Next

Advertisements

TOP TUTORIALS

Python Tutorial

Java Tutorial

C++ Tutorial

C Programming Tutorial

C# Tutorial

PHP Tutorial

R Tutorial

HTML Tutorial

CSS Tutorial

JavaScript Tutorial

SQL Tutorial

TRENDING TECHNOLOGIES

Cloud Computing Tutorial

Amazon Web Services Tutorial

Microsoft Azure Tutorial

Git Tutorial

Ethical Hacking Tutorial

Docker Tutorial

Kubernetes Tutorial

DSA Tutorial

Spring Boot Tutorial

SDLC Tutorial

Unix Tutorial

CERTIFICATIONS

Business Analytics Certification

Java & Spring Boot Advanced Certification

Data Science Advanced Certification

Cloud Computing And DevOps

Advanced Certification In Business Analytics

Artificial Intelligence And Machine Learning

DevOps Certification

Game Development Certification

Front-End Developer Certification

AWS Certification Training

Python Programming Certification

COMPILERS & EDITORS

Online Java Compiler

Online Python Compiler

Online Go Compiler

Online C Compiler

Online C++ Compiler

Online C# Compiler

Online PHP Compiler

Online MATLAB Compiler

Online Bash Compiler

Online SQL Compiler

Online Html Editor

ABOUT US | OUR TEAM | CAREERS | JOBS |


CONTACT US | TERMS OF USE | PRIVACY POLICY |
REFUND POLICY | COOKIES POLICY | FAQ'S

Tutorials Point is a leading Ed Tech company striving


to provide the best learning material on technical
and non-technical subjects.

© Copyright 2024. All Rights Reserved.

You might also like